Minneapolis Wants To Implement Speed Cameras Program By 2025

MINNEAPOLIS — The city of Minneapolis has released a draft of its plan to end traffic deaths and severe injuries by 2027, and speed cameras will play a major role if the State Legislature allows for it.

Between 2017 and 2021, an average of 150 people each year suffered life-changing injuries or were killed in traffic crashes on Minneapolis streets. In 2021, speeding was a factor in 65 percent of fatal crashes, according to officials.

Now, the city is seeking legislative authority to implement a speed camera pilot program.

Contrary to popular belief, speed cameras and red light cameras are not unconstitutional in Minnesota. However, in 2007, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that Minneapolis' Photo Co program violated a state law that requires all Minnesota traffic regulations to be uniform.

The city of Minneapolis reduced the state's burden of proof in prosecuting red light violations, unlawfully putting the city out of step with the rest of the state.

Why speed cameras?

According to the Federal Highway Administration, speed cameras can reduce injury crashes by up to 47 percent on busy streets.

Speed cameras also eliminate the need for "officer interaction," officials said.

The Minneapolis Vision Zero Action Plan has four focus areas:

• Make safety improvements to "high-injury" streets.
• Lower traffic speeds
• Implement a speed safety camera pilot program
• Evaluate alternatives to traffic enforcement